Emerson Work

Emerson Glenn Work, 70, of Springfield Missouri went to live on with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Emerson's death was a result of complications due to Alzheimer's disease.

Emerson was born in Connellsville, PA on August 2, 1955. He is the son of the late Eugene Work and Virginia Prinkey Work, both of Mill Run PA. He is survived by his sister Sharon Work Weible of Mill Run, PA; sister Marilyn Work Smith and brother Jamison Work, both of Cleveland TN.

Following graduation from Connellsville High School in 1973 he furthered his education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and graduated with a degree in Psychology in 1977. Immediately following his graduation, Emerson went to serve in Jamaica with the Peace Corp from 1977 to 1979 teaching Jamaicans how to cultivate various crops.
In 1985 Mr. Work graduated with honors from the University of Pittsburgh with a Masters in International and Public Administration.

Mr. Work is survived by his wife of 41 years, Pamela Myers Work of Somerset, PA. The couple have three children; Alix Work Gilbert, married Jack Gilbert of Walkersville, MD and currently reside in Springfield MO. Erica Work married Juan Gonzalez of Chile and currently reside in Gilbert AZ, and Tyler Work married Liliana Carrillo of Tampa, FL and currently reside in Beaumont, TX. Emerson is "Pappy" to Luke (11) and Madison (10) Gilbert and Javier (9) and Kal-El (4) Gonzalez-Work.

His career was with the United Mine Workers Association where he accomplished 35 stellar years advancing his career up from Department Manager to Assistant Director of Health and Pension Funds in Washington D.C. He served the mine workers in Pennsylvania and West Virginia overseeing the process of each miner and their families to receive the benefits due to their years of work.

Emerson was a gifted leader at work and in the church. He served 10 years on the Elder board and 22 years as Youth Leader and High School Sunday School teacher while a member of Grace Community Church in Frederick, MD. Emerson was very passionate about the future of the young students. He was an outstanding role model in commitment, learning, work ethics and standing strong in your salvation through Jesus.

Music was a very large part of Emerson's life. He loved music of all genres and his tenor voice served to bring honor and glory to God throughout his life. He sang solos in church, weddings, and later in choir at First Baptist Cleveland in Cleveland TN.

Emerson and family loved beach vacations the best and yearly treks to different beach locations were marked with great loving memories and traditions. Emerson was happiest when he was with his family. His legacy is marked with laughter, hugs, gift giving, traditions, and memory making. Christian values and Bible believing faith were evident in his life; usually in a quiet manner like the man who held true to his beliefs.

Emerson's family will receive friends on Saturday October 4th from 10am-12pm in the Chapel at First Baptist Church Cleveland with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 12pm with Pastor Jordan Easley officiating.

In honor of his years of volunteering/serving, a donation is suggested in lieu of flowers for the Foundation House Ministry located in downtown Cleveland TN. https://www.foundationhouseministries.org

You are invited to share a personal memory of Emerson or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service and the Cody family are honored to assist the Work family with these arrangements.